181 episodes

Welcome to Wild West podcast where fact and legend merge. The Wild West Podcast presents the true accounts of individuals, who settled in a town built out of hunger for money, regulated by fast guns, who walked on both sides of the law, patrolling, investing in and regulating the brothels, saloons and gambling houses. These are stories of the men who made the history of the Old West come alive - bringing with them the birth of legends, brought to order by a six-gun and laid to rest with their boots on. Join us now as we take you back in history, to the legends of the Wild West. 

Wild West Podcast Michael King/Brad Smalley

    • Education
    • 5.0 • 1 Rating

Welcome to Wild West podcast where fact and legend merge. The Wild West Podcast presents the true accounts of individuals, who settled in a town built out of hunger for money, regulated by fast guns, who walked on both sides of the law, patrolling, investing in and regulating the brothels, saloons and gambling houses. These are stories of the men who made the history of the Old West come alive - bringing with them the birth of legends, brought to order by a six-gun and laid to rest with their boots on. Join us now as we take you back in history, to the legends of the Wild West. 

    Pioneering the Heartland: Isidore Douglas' Perilous Journey and the Spirit of the Santa Fe Trail

    Pioneering the Heartland: Isidore Douglas' Perilous Journey and the Spirit of the Santa Fe Trail

    Embark on a trek through time as we uncover the remarkable story of Isidore Douglas and her family's poignant journey westward in the aftermath of the Civil War. Imagine braving the unknown frontier, where every step is a dance with danger and every letter home is a testament to survival. You're invited to live through Isidore's eyes, as her correspondence with her mother offers us a window into the raw emotions and harsh realities faced on the plains—from the joy and anxiety of impending motherhood to the looming fears of cholera and financial hardship. As we follow her husband Henry's military ascent, we trace the family’s footsteps from the relative comfort of Columbus, Ohio, to the vast expanses of Kansas, where the promise of new beginnings meets the grit of pioneer life.

    Strap in for the second leg of our historical saga, where we join the Douglas clan on a rugged expedition from Elm Creek to the storied Fort Zarah. Venture through the untamed wilds as we experience nature's capricious whims, from storms that ravage encampments to frigid nights under the stars, and confront the wildlife that roams the plains. Alongside Isidore's vivid narrations, we navigate critical lifelines like stage stations and the Barlow-Sanderson coaches that dotted the desolate Fort Riley-Fort Larned Road. Arriving at Fort Zarah, we gain insight into the legends of the Santa Fe Trail and the perils at Pawnee Rock. Prepare for an episode that not only chronicles an epic passage but also immortalizes the indomitable spirit that shaped a nation.
    Support the showReturn of the Great Hunters
    Cattle Drives Website
    Legends of Dodge City Website
    Order Books

    • 30 min
    Fortifying the Frontier: Major General Dodge, Indian Diplomacy, and Life on the Western Kansas Plains

    Fortifying the Frontier: Major General Dodge, Indian Diplomacy, and Life on the Western Kansas Plains

    Step into the dusty boots of Major General Grenville Dodge as we venture into the heart of the post-Civil War American frontier, where securing the wild plains was as treacherous as it was vital. Our episode, guided by an esteemed historian, captures the essence of life at Fort Dodge, the strategic military stronghold pivotal in taming the Western Kansas frontier. Hear about the soldiers' grueling efforts to build safe havens amidst hostile territory, and how these fortifications laid the groundwork for a period of American history rife with conflict and transformation.

    Witness the volatile relationship between the US military and the Plains Indian tribes through vivid tales of raids and the powerful leaders who orchestrated them. We unravel the complexities of Indian diplomacy with a spotlight on Kiowa Chief Satanta's influence, his storied battle gear, and the intense negotiations over captive settlers—a sobering reality faced by those like Mary Matthews, whose personal account brings a gripping perspective to these historical standoffs. Each narrative strand weaves a rich tapestry of the struggles and strategies that defined the wild, untamed West, making this episode a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the era where legends were forged on the frontier.
    Support the showReturn of the Great Hunters
    Cattle Drives Website
    Legends of Dodge City Website
    Order Books

    • 40 min
    Whispers of the Wild West: The Bose Ikard Story

    Whispers of the Wild West: The Bose Ikard Story

    Step back in time on our auditory trail as we unearth the powerful yet overlooked stories of African American cowboys. Through the unyielding dust of cattle drives and the camaraderie of the trail, we pay homage to trailblazers like Bose Ikard, who navigated the complexities of a post-slavery America to etch their names in the annals of frontier history. Immerse yourself in a narrative that melds bravery with the raw beauty of the Wild West, exploring how these cowboys were instrumental in shaping the cattle industry and, in turn, the fabric of the nation.

    Experience the gritty reality of the Goodnight-Loving Trail, where the bond between man and the wild was a matter of survival. Listen to the tales of partnership and perseverance as we recount how Ikard and his peers faced down the elements, wrangled broncs with sheer tenacity, and navigated treacherous encounters. Their odyssey through the unforgiving terrain wasn't just about moving herds; it was about laying down the tracks for future generations, proving that courage and friendship could triumph over the racial barriers of their time.

    As the sun sets on our episode, we reflect on the rich tapestry left behind by figures Bose Ikard. His legacies are not just inscriptions on headstones or names in dusty tomes; they are vibrant threads in the American story, urging us to recognize and celebrate the multiplicity of our shared heritage. Join us in this tribute to the African American cowboys whose spirit and stories are as enduring as the landscape they once rode across, forever altering our perception of the legendary American West.
    Support the showReturn of the Great Hunters
    Cattle Drives Website
    Legends of Dodge City Website
    Order Books

    • 34 min
    The Untold Legacy of Black American Cowboys: Nat Love's Journey and the Rise of the Western Trailblazers

    The Untold Legacy of Black American Cowboys: Nat Love's Journey and the Rise of the Western Trailblazers

    Discover the unsung heroes of the Wild West as we share the riveting tales of Black American Cowboys, who emerged as skilled drovers and cow punchers in the post-Civil War era. Our journey through history celebrates these trailblazers, whose stories are often overshadowed, despite making up one-quarter of the 19th-century cowboy population. Join us for an episode that promises to enrich your understanding of these men who found autonomy and respect on the open range and left an indelible mark on the cattle industry.

    We breathe life into the adventures of the legendary cowboy Nat Love, and travel the demanding paths that led to Montana, exploring the rich tapestry of experiences these cowboys faced. From the hardworking ranch hand to the multilingual trail cook, the episode paints a vivid picture of their indispensable contributions and the resilience they embodied. Saddle up with us as we pay homage to the courage, skill, and spirit of the Black American Cowboys, and celebrate their central role in the story of the American West. Join us at The Western Cattle Trail Association for 150 years of stories. 
    Support the showReturn of the Great Hunters
    Cattle Drives Website
    Legends of Dodge City Website
    Order Books

    • 30 min
    Trading Bullets and Buffalo Hides on the Frontier

    Trading Bullets and Buffalo Hides on the Frontier

    Strap on your spurs and hold onto your hats as I, Cranky McCabe, whisk you away to the days when Dodge City was overrun with buffalo hunters, traders, and outlaws. Ever wondered what it'd be like to stand in the midst of a buffalo stampede or face down danger at the turn of a card? Our latest journey into the echoes of the past promises tales of adventure, peril, and the raw edge of survival. Together with Billy Dixon and other frontier legends, we travel back to a time where every decision could mean life or untimely death, and every shadow in the saloon hid a potential enemy.

    Feel the grit in your teeth and the tension in the air as we recount the lawless days of Dodge City, through bustling trade and bloody gunfights. We'll share the harrowing experiences of Mr. Rath and Robert Wright, whose buffalo hide trading venture near the railroad tracks led to a hunting frenzy and more than a few close shaves with the native residents of those plains. You'll sit ringside at Tom Sherman's saloon for a shootout that rattled the walls and left its mark on the town's infamous history. It's not just a trip through time; it's an immersion into the unbridled spirit of the Old West, with every word a step down the main street of a bygone era.



    Support the showReturn of the Great Hunters
    Cattle Drives Website
    Legends of Dodge City Website
    Order Books

    • 29 min
    The Fabric of a Boomtown: Dodge City's Origin and the Characters Who Wove Its Story

    The Fabric of a Boomtown: Dodge City's Origin and the Characters Who Wove Its Story

    Ever wonder how a legendary Wild West town like Dodge City came to be? Prepare to be transported to the very roots of this iconic boomtown, where the dreams of early settlers flourished alongside the roaring trains of progress. Your ears won't believe the tales of Dodge City's first entrepreneurs, John MacDonald and George Hoover, or the dramatic fate of the Essington House's proprietor that led to the town's first burial in Boot Hill. And just wait until you hear about Frank Hopper, or Norf Mike, whose writings catapulted Dodge City into the national consciousness.

    Step right up for a behind-the-scenes look at the gritty beginnings and the enterprising souls of Dodge City. You'll discover the crucial businesses—like Jacob Coller's general store and FC Zimmerman's gunsmith shop—that kept the heart of the frontier beating. And we're setting the record straight on historical figures like George Hoover and John McDonald, unearthing the impact of their actions on the town's legacy. From tales of entrepreneurship to frontier violence, this episode promises a rich narrative tapestry, wrapping you in the very fabric of American Western lore.


    Support the showReturn of the Great Hunters
    Cattle Drives Website
    Legends of Dodge City Website
    Order Books

    • 23 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
1 Rating

1 Rating

Top Podcasts In Education

The Mel Robbins Podcast
Mel Robbins
TED Talks Daily
TED
The Rich Roll Podcast
Rich Roll
Coffee Break Spanish
Coffee Break Languages
The Sinead Says Podcast
Sinead Hegarty
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson

You Might Also Like

The Wild West Extravaganza
The Wild West Extravaganza
1001 Stories From the Old West
Jon Hagadorn
Legends of the Old West
Black Barrel Media
Infamous America
Black Barrel Media
1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries Podcast
Jon Hagadorn Podcast Host
Most Notorious! A True Crime History Podcast
Blue Ewe Media